2006 Ford Escape Hev Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
No verdict The 2006 Ford Escape Hev logged 37 NHTSA complaints, the highest among its 3 model years, giving it a complaint index of 100 and rank 1 (worst) of the years with data. Brakes account for 51% of complaints, followed by electrical system issues at 24%.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 100/100
- #1 of 3 Escape Hev years
- Verdict
- No verdict
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 37
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 1
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 1
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Brakes
- Best nearby year
- —
- no alternative with data
Top 2006 Ford Escape Hev problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Brakes19 (51%)
- Electrical System9 (24%)
- Engine5 (14%)
- Steering4 (11%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires4 (11%)
- Transmission & Powertrain2 (5%)
- HVAC1 (3%)
- Other1 (3%)
- Structure & Body1 (3%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Brakes lose pressure suddenly during normal city driving, with the brake and ABS warning lights illuminating at the same time.
- The brake warning light and 'service brake system' message reappear repeatedly, and dealers reportedly cannot pin down the cause because diagnostic codes clear when the vehicle is turned off.
- Owners describe brakes failing to stop the vehicle at low speed, forcing use of the parking brake to come to a stop.
- The ABS system reportedly engages the brakes erratically and can stall the vehicle while slowing down, sometimes traced to a missing front wheel speed sensor.
- The steering wheel has been reported to lock up completely while driving, with the vehicle behaving as if it shut off until the brake pedal is pressed hard.
- One fleet operator reported the main engine shutting down and the vehicle switching to electric-only power at low mileage.
2006 Ford Escape Hev recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.
- NHTSA 06V382000Oct 5, 2006Transmission & Powertrain6,164 vehicles
Power train:driveline
On certain front wheel drive hybrid vehicles, the intermediate shaft may not have been properly heat treated and may fracture while the vehicle is being driven.
Risk: If a fracture occurs, the powertrain will lose the ability to transmit torque to the drive wheels and the transmission will not hold the vehicle stationary when placed in the park position, which could result in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the drivetrain intermediate shaft and replace it if necessary. The recall began on october 23, 2006. Owners may contact ford at 1-800-392-3673.
2006 compared with other Escape Hev years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2006 Ford Escape Hev a bad model year?
- Among the 3 Escape Hev model years with data, 2006 has the most complaints (37) and the highest complaint index (100), ranking worst of the group.
- What is the most common problem with the 2006 Ford Escape Hev?
- Brakes are the top problem area, making up 51% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 60,667 miles. Electrical system issues follow at 24%.
- Does the 2006 Ford Escape Hev have any recalls?
- Yes, one recall (06V382000) covers the drivetrain intermediate shaft, which may not have been properly heat treated and could fracture while driving.
- How does the 2006 Escape Hev compare to 2005 and 2007?
- 2006 had 37 complaints versus 12 in 2005 and 15 in 2007, and its complaint index of 100 is far above 2007's 50 and 2005's 0.
- At what mileage do brake problems typically show up?
- NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 60,667 miles at brake-related failure for the 2006 Escape Hev.